Flamingo flower (Anthurium andraeanum)
Care, watering, light and tips for Flamingo flower on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Araceae
- Difficulty: Moderate care
- Watering: every 7 days
- Light: Indirect light
- Temperature: 15–30 °C
- Toxicity: Toxic to pets
About Flamingo flower
Anthurium andraeanum, commonly known as the Flamingo Flower or Laceleaf, is a popular tropical plant cherished for its distinctive inflorescences, often mistaken for flowers, consisting of a brightly colored, heart-shaped spathe and a central spadix. Its large, green, leathery leaves provide a vibrant contrast to the spathe's color, which can be red, pink, white, or even bicolored. It's an ideal choice for adding an exotic and elegant touch to indoor spaces, either as a standalone centerpiece or as part of a tropical floral arrangement.
Native range
Humid tropical forests of Colombia and Ecuador
Care tips
This plant thrives in bright, indirect light; avoid direct sunlight which can scorch its leaves and spathes. Water when the top inch of the soil feels dry, ensuring good drainage to prevent waterlogging, which is its main enemy and causes root rot. Use a light, well-aerated potting mix, ideally an orchid mix or one based on pine bark, perlite, and peat. A common mistake is overwatering, leading to yellowing and wilting leaves, so it's crucial to allow the topsoil to dry out between waterings.
How to save a dying Flamingo flower
- Warning signs
- Yellowish or brown, wilting leaves, soft stems, poor or no blooms. Soft or black roots.
- First aid
- Check roots: if rotten, remove damaged parts and repot with fresh substrate. Ensure good indirect light and high humidity.
- What kills it
- Overwatering and poor drainage. Waterlogging quickly rots roots. Also dry and cold air.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, if you act quickly! Address first symptoms. It's resilient if conditions are corrected in time.